“We had our targets but when you start talking to clubs it’s almost impossible because they ask for big money or don’t want to sell. We tried and clubs were telling us, ‘No, he’s not for sale,’ or ‘he’s £20m’.”

It now appears that Ashley is unhappy with the current way that the club’s recruitment is working.

He followed up his meeting at Birmingham with further instructions during midweek and is determined that his wishes are followed.